Message regarding the Year of the Priesthood (June 19, 2009)

During the Year of the Priesthood declared by Pope Benedict XVI, let us beseech God our Lord for priestly vocations in the Church and for the sanctity of all priests.

While striving to grow in our understanding of the ministerial priesthood, which differs essentially from the common priesthood (cf. Vatican II, Dogmaric Const. Lumen Gentium, no. 10), let us ask God that all the faithful may have a vibrant “priestly soul,” and that we may know how to spread the joy of this gift to all the people we are in contact with.

Among the many writings of St. Josemaria on the priesthood, we would like to point out:

—His homily “A Priest Forever” in the book In Love with the Church.”—Christ Is Passing By, no. 79—Furrow, no. 499.—The Forge, no. 369.